Can't believe it - I DON'T want to eat...

I know every post-op has been thru this so I know I'm not weird, but I do need some help, suggestions, preaching to, whatever... I just don't feel like eating! I'm 3 weeks post-op (yup, still in the "baby-food" stage). Nothing sounds good, nothing looks good, I sip-sip-sip so I feel full & don't want to eat anything. When I do find something reasonably appealing, I eat 1-2 tablespoons and that's it. So if anyone out there has some suggestions - bring 'em on! My sweet angel, Robin, has been the best and warned me if I don't eat, I could end up back in the hospital & that's the last place I want to be now! Thanks, folks!!   {{Hugs}} Hellen

Isn't it the weirdest thing ever.  After having food control everything, all of the sudden you don't want it.  My only advice is to make every sip count.  Make sure you are taking your vitamins and that the things that you are sipping on are nutricious.  I used to make smoothies with a little bit of everything in them, yogurt, powdered milk, protein powder and a fruit baby food with lots of ice and water.  Sounds gross but they were okay

Mary

Thanks, Mary! I'll try anything at least once!!   H

I wouldn't worry so much about not eating food as long as you continue to get your fluids in. Don't let yourself get dehydrated, that will put you in the hospital pretty quick. It is perfectly normal to not want to eat anything and the 1-2  tablespoons is  a good amount for that early out of surgery. I know that it was hard finding anything that appealed to me, even things I use to love. Try to get as much protein in by sipping on protein drinks ( I know, easier said than done), but it is important.Just remembe,r it does get better and easier so don't get discouraged, and yes we have all been there and done that, lol. Mary

Hello my friend, You are absolutely going through what all of us have went through.  If you are able to eat 1-2 Tablespoons of anything than you are absolutely eating.  That's pretty much all that any of us were able to get in during the first several weeks.  I agree that as long as you are drinking something and staying hydrated to not worry about eating more than what you currently are.  You're doing great.  The puree stage is very difficult to get through because your options seem so limited and the thought of some things pureed is enough to make you want to toss cookies anyway.  This is the wonderful part of the surgery that I think is absolutely necessary to aid in our weight loss success. During this time, we are learning that food is not something that should be enjoyed all the time whenever we want and in whatever quantity we deem appropriate.  The puree stage in my opinion helps us to learn that food is something that is necessary for us to survive and beyond that not much more.  I learned during that 1st month that food was not my best friend and necessary to enjoy time with my family and friends.  I learned to not associate fun times with food but instead food with necessity to survive.   You are embarking on a new phase in your life where food is no longer the center.  Embrace this change and learn from it.  Things do change over time and your choices in food will expand as well as the quantity you are able to take in.  Learning early how to listen to the signs of when you are full and when you really don't need to eat are key.  It will help you be more successful when the choices of food does expand as well as your tolerance to higher quantities.   I am very proud of you and will continue to be here to encourage you and help you in anyway that I can.  I know my experience was far different from yours but I'm still here to support you.  You're doing great Hellen.  Keep pushing forward hun, I can't wait to see you and give you a hug!!!  Tell Debbie hello for me, tell her my daughter saw a snake at her school last week!!! Robin

Thank-you, Robin - for being my friend & for putting things in perspective. I guess being home this much has also put me in a "funk" as well as food, nothing (even water) tastes good, a little boredom, and being just plain ol' tired. I know that things will get better - you're living proof of that! Love ya' & miss ya', Hellen

Hi, my name is Gail, from Charleston.  Am I the only FREAK in the group? I emailed my NUT about being soooo hungry after two weeks of mushie/liquids.  I just went around hungry all the time. She said, and I quote "You are the best judge of when you need to move into the next stage.  If you are hungry, just make sure you are eating protein first, vegetables second and carb third. You may add a bit more texture as you are able to tolerate it, just remember to chew, chew, chew and don't drink and eat together" I am 4 weeks out now and I can eat almost everything I did before with the exception of meat and breads.  That tends to get "stuck" quickly and then the slimes come.  I DETEST the protein shakes and I have tried just about everything to get them down.  I am NOT a milk drinker and all the shakes taste like they are milk based. YUK. I still get hungry but I try to stick with a popcicle or string cheese stick. Did anyone else have this issue?

Gail - do me a favor & post this on the main board under your name. I don't know if anyone will see it under mine.  I know there are others out there who are in the same situation you are, so DON'T CALL YOURSELF A FREAK!  You ARE your best judge. Just because I have no appetite and nothing sounds good, doesn't mean you have to be the same. Let me know when you do post so I can watch the replies you get - {{Hugs}} Hellen

Enjoy this feeling.  It is great but I promise it doesn't last forever.  Honestly, I never didn't want food.  I look forward to my next eating time from day one.  I do remember days though that it was a little easier not to think about it.  Now, a 1 year post op...Food is my enemy and my best friend again.  Take advantage of this time.  Keep your fluid intake up and hang in there.  It'll come back. Rachel